Marcus Quinn

Marcus Quinn (born June 27, 1959) is a former safety in the National Football League (NFL) and the United States Football League (USFL). He played college football at LSU.

Early life and high school

Quinn was born in Tylertown, Mississippi and grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana and attended St. Augustine High School. He helped lead the Purple Knights to a 15–0 record as a junior and was named first-team All-State as a senior.

College career

Quinn was a member of the LSU Tigers for four seasons. He played running back as a freshman in 1977 before moving to defensive back. Quinn was a three-year starter at safety in a defensive backfield nicknamed the "Soul Patrol" along with future NFL players Willie Teal, James Britt and Chris Williams. Quinn finished his collegiate career with six interceptions.

Professional career

Quinn was signed by the Ottawa Rough Riders after going unselected in the 1981 NFL Draft but was cut during training camp. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints in 1982 but was waived during final roster cuts. Quinn was signed by the Oakland Invaders of the newly formed United States Football League (USFL) on February 7, 1983. He was named All-USFL and the 1984 USFL Defensive Player of Year after leading the league with 12 interceptions. Quinn began the 1985 in a contract dispute with the Invaders and was traded to the Tampa Bay Bandits in March. Quinn was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in October 1987 as a replacement player during the 1987 NFL players strike and started three games at strong safety before being released when the strike ended.